16 US Youth Soccer alumni on U.S. Men’s National Team’s final roster for 2014 FIFA World Cup

16 US Youth Soccer alumni on U.S. Men’s National Team’s final roster for 2014 FIFA World Cup

FRISCO, Texas (May 23, 2014) — US Youth Soccer would like to congratulate its 16 alumni, as well as the seven other American players, who will be representing U.S. Soccer at the 2014 FIFA World Cup this summer in Brazil.

All 16 players from the 23-man roster who grew up playing soccer in the United States are US Youth Soccer alums, with the other seven players having been raised primarily overseas. Fourteen players in the squad developed their skills as members of the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP), the nation's original player identification program that has continued its tradition of elite competition and player development for more than 30 years.

US Youth Soccer ODP alum DaMarcus Beasley enters the tournament as the most experienced player in the U.S. squad, making his fourth World Cup roster. Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, both former US Youth Soccer ODP players, are each making their third World Cup appearance this year.

“US Youth Soccer is proud to have 16 former players heading to compete on the game’s biggest stage this summer at the World Cup,” said Sam Snow, US Youth Soccer’s Director of Coaching. “The honor of being chosen for the squad is a testament to the dedication and support of the parents and youth coaches who helped lay the players’ foundation for success, but most notably is a reflection of the hard work each individual has put forth throughout his soccer career.”

The U.S. Men’s National Team kicks off World Cup Group G play on June 16 against Ghana, followed by a matchup with Portugal on June 22 and the final group game against Germany on June 26.

Prior to the games in Brazil, the Americans play three Send-Off Series matches against Azerbaijan (May 27), Turkey (June 1) and Nigeria (June 7) — giving fans the first opportunity to see the 23 players who will be representing the United States at the World Cup.